“I believe it’s my turn to ask a question,” Charlotte said. “You may save that question for your turn.”
Hugh smiled. “Fair enough.”
“Now, I’ll ask you the same question you asked me. Why do you frequent this establishment? Is it your love for card playing? Or are you seeking a wife?”
“I come here because I enjoy the dice and card playing and the camaraderie of friends. It’s a welcome relief after having spent the past two years locked at Gray’s Inn, studying the law. I haven’t had much time for fun and games.”
“Are you a barrister?”
“I believe it’s my turn,” he said.
“Oh yes. Your question about why women come here needs answering. And my answer is I don’t know, but I imagine some come to enjoy themselves and others come to find a husband.”
Hugh frowned. “Why do I feel as though I’ve been outwitted?”
Charlotte grinned beneath her veil. “Perhaps you have,” she said, feeling quite pleased with herself. “Now, answer my question. Are you a barrister?”
“I was studying to be one, but I gave it up.”
“Was it awfully dull? I imagine it would be.”
“Horrible,” he said with a smile, not caring that she’d asked a question out of turn. “I hardly saw the light of day.”
She nodded her understanding. “I think you made the right choice. No one should spend their days cramped in an office, pouring over documents all day. It’s far better to earn one’s bread outdoors, tilling the land or managing an estate.” She paused. “Come to think of it, I wouldn’t so much mind an office in a publication house. If I were required to read fiction all day.”
“You sound like you’ve put a lot of thought into this,” he said.
“A little, but it’s only daydreaming. As you know, a woman doesn’t have many options. She’s expected to marry and dedicate her life to her family.”
“You sound as though you dislike the idea of marriage.”
“I should like it for the right reasons. But more often than not, marriage is mercenary, and a woman is bartered by her family like a prized cow. And while I’m fortunate that that is not my situation, I do pity the scores of women who must suffer under such a system.”
“Well, I couldn’t agree with you more,” Hugh said. “I cannot think of a better reason to marry than for love. And may I say, the thought of someone as enchanting as yourself being bartered away to the highest bidder makes me quite furious. I’m delighted to hear that you are free to choose your future.”
Charlotte’s reservations melted. She wanted nothing more than to rip off her veil and have an honest conversation with the man standing before her.
“The truth is Mr. Warsham, I came here tonight because—”
“May I borrow this lovely young lady from you, Mr. Warsham?” Hermia appeared at Charlotte’s side, cutting off her words.
“Must you?” Hugh asked, sounding genuinely disappointed.
“I’m afraid so,” Hermia replied, “she is wanted elsewhere. But it might interest you to know that the games will continue tomorrow evening.”
“Tomorrow?” Hugh’s voice rose in apparent objection. “Why tomorrow when the night is still so young?”
Charlotte’s thoughts echoed Hugh’s words. She did not want to leave. She’d danced with many suitors during her first two seasons and had been bored to tears most of the time. Dancing with Hugh had been different. He hadn’t tried to fill the silence with inane chatter. He’d simply moved with her, enjoying the music, the movement, and each other. No, she absolutely did not want to leave, but she dared not defy Hermia.
“I take it you’ve enjoyed yourself this evening and will return tomorrow for the continuation of this game, then, Mr. Warsham,” Hermia said firmly.
Hugh turned to face Charlotte. “I have indeed enjoyed myself and will most definitely return.”
A small thrill shot through Charlotte, throwing her disappointment into chaos. “Good evening, Mr. Warsham,” she said. “Until tomorrow.”
“Until tomorrow,” he said, the regret in his voice palpable.
As Hermia led her away, Charlotte glanced over her shoulder to see Hugh pluck the rose from his pocket, press it to his nose, and smile to himself.
